Local, Wellesley Island Grown, Certified Organic
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What Is Organic?
Organic is a system of growing plants and animals in cooperation with nature, instead of trying to overpower her. Organic is about ecosystems and remembering that life is a circle that must remain unbroken. In organic farming we feed the soil and the soil feeds the plants. Healthy soil equals healthy plants equals healthy food.
In the old days, if you used natural fertilizers and didn't use chemicals, you were organic. In recent years the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has taken to regulating the use of the word "organic." To call ones' produce or animal products organic, farmers and processors must follow the National Organic Standards (NOS) of the National Organic Program. Farmers must be certified by an approved certifying agency, keep extensive records, pay annual certification fees, and be inspected annually, in addition to spot inspections.
Cross Island Farms became Certified Organic by NOFA-NY Certified Organic LLC in August of 2006 and continues our certification through NOFA-NY. The initial application took three days to complete. The renewal only took one day! Like Kermit the Frog says, "It ain't easy being green!"